Meet the Dream Team

Melissa Cosentino

Founder & Executive Director

Melissa has devoted her education and professional career to advancing the well-being of seniors. Her undergraduate degree in Health Services Management concentrating in long term care, and her Master of Social Work degree in Gerontology & Mental Health from Loyola University Chicago were obtained with the goal of improving the senior care industry.

Melissa has worked in a number of Chicago area hospitals and senior living communities as a Geriatric Social Worker and Regional Operations Manager, and currently works as Director of Social Services at Central Baptist Village, a continuing care retirement community.

Melissa loves spending time with seniors. They’re the ones who inspired her to start One Dream. So many truly amazing seniors have lived incredibly selfless lives, only to find themselves alone and unsupported in their senior years. The team here at One Dream are committed to making dreams come true for deserving seniors.

Nick Cosentino

President

Nick brings with him 6 years of experience in marketing strategy, business development, and digital media. He is a creative problem solver, a team player, and a storyteller that has produced and distributed thousands of online videos for clients, leading to millions and millions of views. He’s eager to share our Dreams Come True with the world.

Linda Pogvara

Secretary

Linda is a seasoned professional with 30 years of professional experience in management, operations, customer service, and business development. She has used her talents in a number of industries, including senior care, print brokering, real estate, and theatre.

Before joining the team, Linda has been the Senior Director of Operations at Connected Living, a Technology-based Social Impact Company that teaches seniors how to use the computer and connect with their loved ones via social media online.

Richard Pogvara

Treasurer

Richard is a retired business professional who spent 46 years in banking. Rick started out his career at Suburban Trust & Savings in Oak Park, IL in 1967 where he worked his way up from clerk to bank president. Rick led his Suburban Trust & Savings team until 1993 until it was purchased by Old Kent Bank.

Rick then made several moves due to mergers, until he became VP and Market Manager at Republic Bank in Naperville, IL, where he remained until his retirement in 2013.